Then he rang the bell, and Hannah entered with the wished-for candles.
"Is your master in ?" "I'll see, Sir.

Do you wish to see him ?" "Yes.

First bring me a bottle of sherry and two glasses, then ask him to step in." The serving-maid obeyed; and presently there was a heavy step in the passage, and in strode John Trevethick, a man of sixty years or so, but straight as a pine, and strong as an oak.
"Your servant, Sir," said he, in a gruff voice, and with no such inclination of the head as landlords use.
"Good-evening, Mr.Trevethick.I am afraid I'm putting you to some inconvenience by coming to Gethin so many weeks before the usual time." "Nay, Sir; my house is open summer and winter." "Now I wonder is this the natural manner of this boor," thought Richard, "or has he been already prejudiced against me by the other ?--And an excellent house it is, Mr.Trevethick; I little expected to find so good a one down here, I promise you." "Well, I built it myself, Sir," said the landlord; "so it don't become me to say much of that.

It cost me a good bit of money, however; and it's hard to get it back, when one's season only lasts for a month or two." "Ah! I'm the first swallow that you've seen this year, I dare say.

Well, I hope I herald a lucky summer.